The number of drivers requiring breakdown assistance has risen, with 16 percent of UK cars needing recovery in 2025, an increase from 10.9 percent the previous year, according to research by What Car?. This surge is primarily linked to damage caused by potholes. In 2025, the RAC alone responded to 26,048 callouts for pothole-related issues, a 15 percent increase from 22,703 in 2024. These damages include broken suspension springs, buckled wheels, and compromised shock absorbers.
Despite the rise in breakdowns, recovery firms are improving their response and repair times. In 2025, 61 percent of breakdowns were attended in under an hour, up from 56 percent in 2024. Furthermore, the success rate of roadside repairs increased, with 57 percent of drivers able to continue their journey in 2025, compared to 48 percent the year prior.
What Car? evaluated nine breakdown providers to assess their speed and service quality. AXA Breakdown emerged as the top-rated provider, earning five stars for roadside repairs and speed of arrival. AXA utilizes a network of independent recovery operators and local garages, which allows for rapid response and efficient sourcing of parts. Their operators successfully completed permanent or temporary fixes on 82 percent of vehicles attended and reached 72 percent of customers within an hour.
In contrast, Allianz, which offers its services exclusively through car brands and is not available for direct consumer purchase, performed the worst. Only 42 percent of cars were made mobile again by Allianz operatives, and over half of breakdowns (52 percent) experienced waiting times exceeding one hour.
The AA, despite possessing the largest nationwide fleet of patrols, was ranked third, two positions above its competitor, the RAC. The RAC's ranking was affected by longer waiting times compared to other providers.
Claire Evans, What Car?'s consumer editor, advised drivers to consider their needs when choosing breakdown cover. She noted that a competent technician can often fix a car at the roadside, potentially saving on garage bills. Evans suggested that local plans may be more cost-effective for those who do not travel long distances, while national policies are better suited for high-mileage drivers. She also emphasized the importance of carefully reading the terms and conditions of any policy due to variations and limitations in coverage.